Boeing is hiring Australian companies to provide components for the manufacturing of AH-64E Apaches.
This marks the first time Australian suppliers will provide components for new Apaches, which includes 29 units that will be added to Australia’s future fleet.
Australia-based companies Cablex and Thomas Global Systems will manufacture cabling, and design and manufacture cockpit avionics components for the global fleet of Apaches, respectively.
Meanwhile, Boeing selected Cablex, Ferra, Axiom Precision Manufacturing, and Mincham to supply harnesses, electrical panels, vertical spar box machined parts, fairings and composites.
Kathleen Jolivette, vice president and general manager of Boeing Vertical Lift, said collaborating with the Australian government and investing in local businesses in Australia will result in the creation of new jobs, develop Australia’s aerospace and manufacturing capability, and grow the local economy.
Contracts with the new AH-64E Apache suppliers are part of an agreement signed by Boeing and Defence Australia at the Avalon 2023 Australian International Airshow.
The agreement also acknowledges the benefit of the Australian Global Supply Chain Program, which delivers export opportunities into Boeing’s supply chain.
“Defence has worked diligently with US Army, Boeing and local industry to ensure we are providing the best capability for the Australian Defence Force,” said Major General Jeremy King, head of Defence’s Joint Aviation Systems Division.
“We look forward to continuing to work together through this agreement signed today to seek further opportunities for local industry involvement in both the production of Australia’s Apaches and the broader global fleet product and support activities.”
Boeing, a global aerospace company, manufactures and services commercial aircraft, defence products, and services commercial aeroplanes, defence products, and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries.
